George Herbert

Artillery - Poem by George Herbert

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As I one ev'ning sat before my cell, Me thoughts a star did shoot into my lap. I rose, and shook my clothes, as knowing well, That from small fires comes oft no small mishap. When suddenly I heard one say, -Do as thou usest, disobey, Expell good motions from thy breast, Which have the face of fire, but end in rest-.

I, who had heard of music in the spheres, But not of speech in stars, began to muse: But turning to my God, whose ministers The stars and all things are; if I refuse, Dread Lord, said I , so oft my good; Then I refuse not ev'n with blood To wash away my stubborn thought: For I will do, or suffer what I ought.

But I have also stars and shooters too, Born where thy servants both artilleries use. My tears and prayers night and day do woo, And work up to thee; yet thou dost refuse. Not but that I am (I must say still) Much more oblig'd to do thy will, Than thou to grant mine: but because Thy promise now hath ev'n set thee thy laws.

Then we are shooters both, and thou dost deign To enter combat with us, and contest With thine own clay. But I would parley fain: Shun not my arrows, and behold my breast. Yet if thou shunnest, I am thine: I must be so, if I am mine. There is no articling with thee: I am but finite, yet thine infinitely.